The recent cyber outage is a stark reminder of digital systems' vulnerability and potential impact on businesses, including those in the construction industry. This incident offers several critical lessons for construction bookkeeping.

 

As a contractor, your accounting and bookkeeping systems are vulnerable not only to cyber threats but also to software outages, which can compromise sensitive financial data and disrupt business operations. 

 

In this blog post, we'll explore the implications of the recent cyber outage for construction accounting and bookkeeping and provide actionable tips to strengthen your defenses.

 

Read More

Topics: Construction Bookkeeping And Accounting, Systems And Processes, security, cybersecurity, Construction Systems And Processes

Employee fraud can seriously affect any business; the construction industry is no exception. We have discussed this numerous times in our podcasts and blog posts. Unfortunately, we still get calls from construction business owners who unknowingly become victims of this financial nightmare. That is why it is important to revisit this topic and emphasize the need to be proactive and vigilant so it doesn't happen to you.

 

Identifying warning signs of potential employee fraud is crucial for maintaining your company's financial health and integrity. Unsurprisingly, the highest-risk employees for fraud have trusted roles in financial services: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, accounting, and bookkeeping.

 

To commit fraud, or in this case, embezzlement, an employee must have both access and opportunity—that is, access to funds, banking records, and accounting data. The ideal situation is for someone entrusted with multiple roles who can cut and sign checks, process accounts payable, and handle bank reconciliations.

 

Read More

Topics: Bookkeeper Embezzlement, Embezzlement, Contractor Bookkeeper Embezzlement, Construction Bookkeeper Embezzlement, Employee Fraud, Employee Theft, financial fraud

Starting a construction business without a plan is like setting sail without a compass. While you might eventually reach your destination, the journey will likely be longer and more challenging. A well-constructed business plan is essential for guiding your business toward success.

 

Here's why

 

It Clarifies Your Vision

 

A business plan helps you articulate the vision for your enterprise. It forces you to think through every aspect of your business, including what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there. This clarity is crucial for communicating your vision to potential investors, partners, and employees.

 

Read More

Topics: Strategic Planning, Business Plans, Business Plan For Your Construction Company, Systems, Business Planning For contractors, Construction Systems And Processes

As a construction business owner, you must stay informed about your finances and financial situation. You do this through bookkeeping, the process of recording transactions in your business. This includes transactions, credit card charges, and any other economic activity within your company.

 

Financial management can easily be overlooked when managing projects, dealing with subcontractors, and ensuring customer satisfaction. However, neglecting proper bookkeeping can significantly impact the growth and success of your construction business.

 

Read More

Topics: Bookkeeping For Electrical Contractors, Bookkeeping For Commercial Tenant Improvement Cont, Bookkeeping For Custom Home Builders, Bookkeeping For Remodel Contractors, Bookkeeping Needs, Bookkeeping For Plumbing Contractors, Bookkeeping, Construction Bookkeeping, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes

Running a small construction business comes with unique challenges, and dealing with toxic employees is undoubtedly one of the trickiest. A single troublesome team member can disrupt productivity, affect team morale, and ultimately harm your business's success. 

 

These individuals can create a hostile work environment, lower morale, and reduce productivity. For the construction industry, where teamwork and safety are paramount, addressing and managing toxic employees is crucial. Knowing how to handle such situations effectively can turn things around.

 

Let's look at the types of toxic actions, how to address them, and provide practical steps to manage these challenging situations. Read on to transform your workplace or job site into a harmonious and productive environment.

 

Read More

Topics: More Processes And Fewer Employees, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Construction Employee

In the construction industry, unexpected challenges can arise at any moment. Numerous factors, from material delays to unforeseen weather conditions, can disrupt project timelines and budgets. 

 

From terrorism to fire, from extreme weather or earthquakes to cyber-attacks – how would your business cope if it was affected? Would your staff know what to do? Would you be able to keep working?

 

That's why a contingency plan is crucial for construction contractors. It is not just a precaution but a necessity. Small construction businesses need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. Your company could avoid significant setbacks or closure with a solid contingency plan.

 

Read More

Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Contractors Emergency Marketing Plan, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Contingency Plan For Construction Contractors

The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is more straightforward said than done. 

 

In today's fast-paced construction industry, staying in touch and being productive is crucial for project success. The good news is that technology has made it easier to streamline processes and enhance team collaboration.

 

One of the most impactful ways technology has improved construction communication is through user-friendly mobile applications and project management software. These tools allow for real-time communication, easy document sharing, and smooth task management, reducing the delays and errors often associated with traditional communication methods.

 

Read More

Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Systems, Construction Productivity, Construction Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance, Production

In the competitive construction industry, implementing efficient business systems can make a significant impact on the overall success and profitability of a construction business, regardless of its size or specialization. From streamlining operations to improving project management, adopting efficient systems can yield tangible benefits that truly pay off in the long run.

 

Too many businesses fail because the owner needs to establish efficient business systems. This typically happens because the business owner is so caught up in the company's day-to-day running that the fundamentals of good business management are forgotten. Often, it must be said that the owner doesn't like bookkeeping or other administrative tasks, so these get put on the back burner.

 

Read More

Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance

In the ever-evolving world of construction, financial modeling is a game-changer. It drives intelligent decision-making, minimizes risks, and ensures the revenue health of projects. Crafting precise and insightful financial models is a valuable tool for construction companies. It offers a panoramic view of the asset landscape and enables proactive planning and strategic management.

 

Financial models are invaluable tools designed to help you understand and protect your business's economic health. By simulating different scenarios and examining potential outcomes based on various inputs, such as sales growth, margins, and cash flow, these models provide a comprehensive picture that aids in informed decisions.

 

Read More

Topics: fully burdened labor costs for construction worker, Financing Secrets Revealed, finance, Contractor Guidance, LMOS, Financial Modeling

The power of effective bookkeeping using QuickBooks Desktop - plus an Important Update from Intuit.

Keeping track of sales, earnings, expenses, and purchases is fundamental to your construction business's overall health and sustainability. Effective bookkeeping produces the data you need to evaluate your current practices, anticipate challenges, and set attainable future goals.

Many business owners dread bookkeeping and accounting tasks despite their proven importance. In fact, 40% of surveyed entrepreneurs claim that bookkeeping is one of the worst parts of running a business!

Is it worth the aggravation?

Read More

Topics: QuickBooks For Contractors, QuickBooks Desktop Cloud, quickboooks setup, QuickBooks Features Contractors, quicbooks, Contractor Guidance